Orioles Manager Suffers Fractures, Broken Jaw After Foul Ball Hit

Craig Albernaz was injured during Monday's comeback win against the Diamondbacks.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:36am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a baseball game scene broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conceptually representing the dangers of foul balls in the sport.A cubist interpretation of the dangerous moment when a foul ball struck the Orioles manager, highlighting the inherent risks players and staff face in baseball.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz suffered six fractures and a broken jaw after getting hit in the face by a foul ball during Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Albernaz was struck in the fifth inning but was able to return to the dugout after being checked out, though he will not require surgery.

Why it matters

Injuries to managers and coaches are relatively rare in baseball, and this incident highlights the dangers players and staff face from foul balls and other in-game hazards. Albernaz's injury could impact the Orioles' coaching staff and strategy as the team looks to build on their comeback win.

The details

Albernaz was hit by a foul ball off the bat of Orioles player Jeremiah Jackson in the fifth inning. Despite the injury, Albernaz was able to return to the dugout after being evaluated. Jackson made up for the incident by hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning to help the Orioles overcome a six-run deficit, and he later added a solo homer in the eighth to seal the victory.

  • The incident occurred in the fifth inning of Monday's game between the Orioles and Diamondbacks.
  • Albernaz returned to the dugout after initially exiting to get checked out.

The players

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who suffered six fractures and a broken jaw after being hit in the face by a foul ball.

Jeremiah Jackson

An Orioles player whose foul ball struck Albernaz, but who later hit a grand slam and solo homer to help the Orioles come back and win the game.

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What’s next

The Orioles will need to determine how long Albernaz will be sidelined and who will manage the team in his absence.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers players and staff face in baseball, and the importance of safety measures to protect them from foul balls and other in-game hazards.